The Professor|| Sylus

Staying for the night| PT1.

As they arrived at Sylus's mansion, Mei couldn't help but be struck by the grandeur and coziness of the place. The large living room was warm and inviting, with a crackling fireplace casting a gentle glow over the room. Sylus settled into a comfortable sofa, crossing his legs with an air of ease and authority.

Mei took a seat across from him, her gaze drawn to the pile of files on the long desk before them. Sylus picked up one of the files and began to speak, his tone serious.

"N109 Zone," Sylus began, "is one of the most dangerous areas in Tokyo. Surrounded by other no-hunt zones, which means it has evolved into a lawless land where danger and opportunity coexist. It's rife with violence and crime."

Mei's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "And why is that?"

Sylus placed three files in front of Mei, each one marked with the profile of a different man. "The cruelty in this world is often too harsh for someone like you to understand, sweetie. It's my fault that you've been dragged into this mess. Since you're now a part of my life, you need to know who we're dealing with."

Mei looked at the profiles with a mix of apprehension and resolve. "Who are these men?"

Sylus pointed to the first file. "This is Victor Kuroda. He's a ruthless arms dealer who controls a significant portion of the illegal weapon trade. His operations are violent and widespread, and he's known for his extreme cruelty towards anyone who crosses him."

He then pointed to the second file. "This is Hiroshi Tanaka. He's a notorious gang leader with a reputation for orchestrating brutal crimes. His influence extends far beyond the N109 Zone, and his reach into other territories makes him a significant threat."

Finally, Sylus indicated the third file. "And this is Ryoichi Nakamura. He's a corrupt official who profits from the chaos in the N109 Zone and outside N109. His political power shields him from most consequences, allowing him to manipulate situations to his advantage...He is the real deal."

Mei examined the files closely, her mind racing with the situation and soon turns over to Ryoichi Nakamura file.

Mei "Ryoichi Nakamura is the assistant of the President...how come no one knows about this?..."

Sylus "he was already been suspected but you know how the government works. When money is implied to a scene they will cover it up like a whole package"

Mei sighs deeply "So these are the people behind the chaos we've been facing?" Sylus nodded solemnly. "Yes. These three are accountable for much of the danger"

As Mei absorbed the profiles, A question suddenly hits Mei.

"And how come they are after you?"

Sylus looks at her and smiles "very clever sweetie"

Mei "I mean if you are just a Professor, and I know for a fact that you don't mean any harm...what do they want from you"

Sylus "I may not be any harm to you but I am a threat to them. Lets just say I have errands with them that did not go as they pleased"

Mei then pouts *there he goes again with such vague responses*

Sylus then reached into his pocket and pulled out the feather-shaped metal pin that Mephisto had delivered last night. The pin gleamed with a ruby-red shine, catching the light from the fireplace. Mei tilted her head in curiosity, her gaze fixed on the pin. "What's that?" she asked.

Sylus placed the pin on the desk and looked at Mei with a hint of intrigue. "This is more than just a trinket. It's an invitation."

Mei's curiosity grew. "An invitation to what?"

Sylus leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming more serious. "The message that I received from last night we're going to a masquerade ball. It will be held at the Solon Hotel, situated right at the heart of the N109 Zone."

Mei's eyes widened with surprise. "A masquerade ball? At the Solon Hotel?" Sylus nodded. "Yes. The Solon Hotel is a luxury establishment known for hosting high-profile events. It serves as a venue for banquets and local transactions. You'll find the remnants of abandoned collectors, transport tubes, and other devices. It was once a place where various experiments were conducted, but now it's largely deserted."

Mei's mind raced with the implications. "So, what's our purpose there?"

Sylus picked up the pin, twirling it between his fingers. "It's a chance to see who might be involved in the activities there. We'll be mingling with people who operate in the shadows we might end up seeing one of the culprits."

Mei nodded, her determination firming up. "I-I see..."

Sylus smiled, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "We need to be strategic and prepared. It's going to be a delicate operation, but with the right approach, we might uncover information."

As Sylus placed the pin back into his pocket, Mei felt a renewed sense of purpose. The masquerade ball at the Solon Hotel was more than just a social event—it was a key to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the N109 Zone.

Sylus watched Mei as she took in the information, noting the serious look on her face. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and he let out a soft scoff. Mei noticed his expression and tilted her head, curious.

"W-why are you smiling?" she asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Sylus's smirk widened. "I can see you're starting to get the hang of this little by little, sweetie. I must say, I'm quite proud."

Mei blushed even more, her gaze dropping as she looked away. "What do you mean 'getting the hang of this'? This isn't normal...I-I'm just accepting reality."

Sylus leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed yet exuding a subtle confidence. He casually lets his arms resting or hanging loosely over the backrest of the sofa he is sitting on. His eyes sparkled with a teasing intensity as he regarded Mei.

"Perhaps I should let you struggle for just...a few more days," he murmured, his voice smooth and slightly seductive, sending a warm sensation through her.

Mei looked up at him "What does that mean?"

Sylus leaned forward slightly, the dim light highlighting the contours of his face. "It means you should stay here for the night since tomorrow is the event, remember what I said, sweetie?"

Mei paused, her mind racing to recall Sylus's previous words. "Shopping?"

Sylus smiled approvingly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Good girl."

Mei felt her cheeks flush with a deep red, the sudden praise catching her off guard. She glanced away, trying to steady her racing heart. "I-I'm not sure what you mean..."

Sylus stood gracefully, his movements smooth and deliberate. He took a step closer, the warmth of his presence enveloping her. "I don't need to pick you up if you stay here, and I have no problem with you sleeping here anyways."

His voice softened, the teasing edge giving way to genuine concern. "Kieran and Luke will escort you if you need anything. If you have any other questions or need assistance, feel free to ask them."

Mei nodded, still feeling the blush creeping up her neck. "Thank you Professor Sylus. I appreciate it."

Sylus reached out, gently placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder before releasing her. "Make yourself comfortable. Tomorrow will require all of our focus and energy."

As he turned to leave, Mei watched him go, her heart still fluttering from their interaction. The invitation to stay the night added another layer to their already complex relationship, blending professional duty with personal connection. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and preparing herself for the challenges that lay ahead.

With Sylus's departure, Mei felt a renewed sense of determination. The masquerade ball at the Solon Hotel was not just an event—it was a pivotal moment in uncovering the truths hidden within the N109 Zone.